National Women’s Day 2025: Honoring Sarojini Naidu’s Legacy

National Women’s Day is celebrated in India on February 13 to honor the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu, a freedom fighter, poet, and social reformer. Known as the Nightingale of India, she played a crucial role in India's independence movement and advocated for women's rights. She was the first woman President of the Indian National Congress and the first female Governor of India. Her literary works and activism continue to inspire generations. This day serves as a tribute to her legacy and the progress of women in India.

Indian citizens commemorate National Women's Day annually on February 13 by celebrating the birth anniversary of freedom fighter as well as poet and social reformer Sarojini Naidu. India referred to her as the "Nightingale of India" because of her vital contributions to freeing India from British rule and empowering Indian women.

History and Significance

National Women's Day exists in India on February 13 through a government proclamation to honor Sarojini Naidu's multifaceted work in political and literary fields as well as social advancement.

Sarojini Naidu’s Role in India’s Freedom Struggle

• Indian National Movement: Active participant and supporter of Mahatma Gandhi in India’s independence struggle.

• First Woman President of the Indian National Congress (1925): A historic milestone for women in Indian politics.

• She was detained various times throughout the Civil Disobedience and Quit India Movements (1942) because of her active participation.

• First Woman Governor of an Indian State (1947): Served as the Governor of United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh) from 1947 to 1949.

Sarojini Naidu: A Life of Achievements and Firsts

• First Indian Woman to Address the British Parliament.

• Pioneer in Inter-Caste Marriages: Married Dr. Govindarajulu Naidu despite societal restrictions.

• In 1929 she guided India's group of representatives to South Africa to speak on behalf of Indian rights.

• She received the Kesar-i-Hind Medal before returning it when she protested against the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.

Sarojini Naidu’s Contribution to Literature

• Through her celebrated verse, she celebrated both Indian cultural legacies and spiritual traditions.

• Major Literary Works:

  • The Golden Threshold (1905) – Her first poetry collection.

  • In The Bird of Time (1912) Naidu presented a collection about freedom and struggles faced by humans.

  • The Broken Wing (1917) – Includes the famous poem "The Gift of India."

  • The Feather of the Dawn (1961, posthumous) – Edited by her daughter Padmaja Naidu.

Lesser-Known Facts About Sarojini Naidu

• Her scholarly heritage ran strong because her scientist-father combined with her philosopher-mother and poet-mother.

• Child prodigy – Topped Madras University’s Matriculation Exam at just 12 years old.

• She studied at King’s College London and Girton College Cambridge while she was in England.

• Social conventions were disregarded when she married Dr. Govindarajulu Naidu at the age of 19.

• The activist role that Naidu played in Salt Satyagraha (1930) included organizing demonstrations against British colonial rule with other women.

• The Indian government incarcerated her during the Quit India Movement (1942).

• Servants of Indian women led national delegations to South Africa when she was 42 years old.

• First Woman Governor of India (Uttar Pradesh, 1947).

Conclusion

National Women’s Day serves as a tribute to Sarojini Naidu’s contributions to India’s freedom struggle, women’s empowerment, and literature. She remains a historical example that inspires modern women to be leaders fight for equality and demolish barriers.